SL Jones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
SL Jones
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Jones in concert at A3C in 2011
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Bryan Charles Jones |
| Also known as | Cuz Lightyear |
| Born | Flint, Michigan, United States |
| Origin | Little Rock, Arkansas, United States |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Years active | 2009–present |
| Labels |
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| Associated acts | Killer Mike, Pill, DJ Burn One |
Bryan Charles Jones, known by his stage names SL Jones and Cuz Lightyear, is an American rapper and songwriter. He started his music journey in 2009 and has released several mixtapes and projects. SL Jones is known for his thoughtful lyrics and unique style in hip hop music.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
Bryan Charles Jones was born in Flint, Michigan. Soon after, his family moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he grew up. He lived in a neighborhood called 23rd & Wolfe Street. Jones often mentions his hometown and neighborhood in his songs. The number 23 is a special theme in his music.
Before focusing on music, Jones spent some time back in Flint. There, he studied visual arts. Later, he moved to Atlanta to start his career in music. He chose the name SL Jones. The "SL" stands for "Second Letter," referring to the letter B, which is the second letter of the alphabet and the first letter of his birth name, Bryan.
Music Career Highlights
Working with Grind Time Rap Gang
SL Jones first became known by working with a group called Grind Time Official. This group was also known as Grind Time Rap Gang. He worked with artists like Killer Mike, Pill, and others. During this time, SL Jones appeared on several music projects. These included mixtapes and official albums like I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind and Underground Atlanta.
Solo Music Journey
In 2009, SL Jones released his first solo mixtape. It was called C.O.L.O.R.S.: A Mixtape. This project featured other famous rappers like Killer Mike, Trae Tha Truth, Clipse, and Chamillionaire. When it came out, many music critics praised SL Jones. Complex Magazine even named him one of the "10 Most Underrated New Rappers." They noted his smart lyrics and great flow.
Busy Year: 2011
The year 2011 was very busy for SL Jones. He released four projects!
- On May 23, he released The Number 23. This mixtape was hosted by Don Cannon. It featured artists like Killer Mike, Pill, and Waka Flocka Flame. Producers like Lex Luger and Shawty Redd worked on the music. Critics gave it good reviews.
- On August 23, The Number 23 was re-released. This new version was called The Number 23: Editor's Cut. It had 16 songs, including two new ones.
- On September 14, SL Jones released Pandamonium. This project remixed songs from Clams Casino's Rainforest EP. It had five tracks.
- On December 14, he released another mixtape, Flight Risk. This project had 10 songs. It featured production from Sonny Digital and Young L. XXL Magazine said it was "another dosage of quality material from SL."
Projects in 2012 and 2013
In 2012, SL Jones worked on a 12-track mixtape with Atlanta producer DJ Burn One. This project was called Paraphernalia. It was released on May 23, 2012. The mixtape included features from rappers Freddie Gibbs and Rittz. Music critics loved Paraphernalia. Complex Magazine called it "an expertly crafted piece of Southern-fried hip-hop."
In 2013, SL Jones announced a new EP (Extended Play) called Trapper's Delight. It was produced by M16 and had seven songs. This EP also received strong reviews from music outlets. In April, SL Jones went on his first headline tour. It was called "The Way Of Life No Hobby Tour." He visited nine cities to support Trapper's Delight.
Later in August 2013, SL Jones announced another new mixtape. It was titled Way Of Life No Hobby. This mixtape was hosted by Don Cannon. For this project, SL Jones worked only with one producer, Metro Boomin. The mixtape was released on September 4, 2013. It featured artists like Killer Mike and Kevin Gates.
Discography
Mixtapes
- C.O.L.O.R.S.: A Mixtape (2009)
- The Number 23 (2011)
- The Number 23: Editor's Cut (2011)
- Flight Risk (2011)
- Paraphernalia (2012)
- Trapper's Delight (2013)
- Way Of Life No Hobby (2013)
Remix Projects
- Pandamonium (Rainforest Remixes) (2011)
Guest Appearances
- I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind (2006)
- Underground Atlanta (2009)
- Rubble Kings Soundtrack (2016)
